Food Services Advisory Council
February 11, 2014
2:00 PM
Business Services Conference Room (Bldg. 8, Rm. 1106)
Members Present: Jacqueline Shank (Chair), Catherine Christie, Rob Haley, Mary Borg, Dee Robertson-Lee, Alin Ceopoi , Tom Dobrowolsky, Justin Turner, Maria Cartolano
Members Absent: Nuria Ibanez, Tom Van Schoor, Corey Williams, Christina Wisz, Aaron Anderson
Others Present: Vince Smyth (A&F), Stephanie Peters (Business), Eric Fontaine (Business), Dave Jordan (Chartwells), Danielle Tarangelo (Chartwells), Korey Konopasek (Chartwells),
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 PM by Jacqueline Shank (Chair)
1. Approval to Audio Record Meeting
Jacqueline notified members that the meeting was being recorded to assist when writing meeting minutes.
2. Approve October 15th, 2013 Minutes
Jacqueline asked members to review the minutes from the October 15, 2013 meeting. Mary Borg moved to accept the minutes as written and seconded by Alin Ceopoi. The motion passed unanimously with no discussion.
3. Ratification of Vice Chair
Jacqueline Shank notified the members that Mary Borg will be the new Vice Chair for the upcoming year. Vince Smyth let the members know that the President did ratify the approval of Mary Borg as Vice Chair on November 15, 2013.
4. Facilities Report
Vince stated at this point there is no major contractual change or issues. There is a new project in Housing for a Clubhouse and Pool Facility over by lot 12. The Clubhouse will have a convenience store similar to Ozzie’s and a Pita Pit franchise operation. The club house will be open for Summer B semester (2014). Vince also mentioned the addition to the Osprey Café that was brought up in the last meeting. He informed the committee that all the design work was complete, we have 100% construction drawings and a GMP but unfortunately the price to build the addition was out of the budget that was originally allotted. As soon as the funds are available the plan is to add the additional room.
5. Fall Survey Results/Marketing
Danielle Tarangelo informed the committee that the fall survey resulted in 632 responses which were more than the previous year. She is expecting more results from the forthcoming survey in March/April 2014. The response from the students indicated that they enjoy the selection of food venues and the customer service was well received. A round table was conducted with about ten students and the questions were asked to the students why they disliked certain food choices. Danielle also brought up some of the marketing strategies that have been successful such as the Halal meals provided on one of the two action stations. Other special programs were Istanbul themed lunch, a Boston themed dinner, breakfast for dinner, and a Chinese New Year lunch at the end of January. Promotions for February include 20% all classic smoothies at Jamba Juice from 2:00pm-3:00pm to try and increase sales during the afternoon. They also had a Super Bowl event at the Boathouse with discounted food and beer which was received well. They are trying to incorporate more specials with athletics and did a fried fish sandwich for the UNF vs JU basketball game.
6. Operational Report
David Jordan reported on the increase of spring-term meal plans sold from 1,900 in 2013 to 2,031 in 2014. The operational sales from Chick-fil-A’s first semester of operation were $424,000 and commented that it was without breakfast. Dave hopes to have Chick-fil-A open for breakfast by the end of February 2014. Dave also commented on the average check for each location. They ranged from a low of $4.18 at Outtakes to a high of $8.44 at the Boathouse respectively.
Korey Konopasek discussed the financials of the campus starting out with a 38% increase in sales in the Alumni Square area and a 15% drop in sales at the Student Union. The issue at Papa Johns with the pepperoni pizza being greasy was resolved. The plates at Papa Johns were also changed to give the pizza a better perception of value. Papa Johns has been supplying the manager with specials to run and also they have brought in their giant chocolate chip cookies to the menu. Coyote Jack’s and Chick-N- Grill have done well providing customers with specials to increase sales. Quizno’s will be adding pasta to the menu in the near future. Jamba Juice has started a “Whole Food” additions initiative with such items as kale and Greek yogurt going into their smoothies. Boathouse has added some enhanced daily specials such as a turkey burger with brie and apples. As stated earlier, Chick-fil-A will be adding breakfast to the menu and Korey had commented that they wanted to promote it well to make sure there is a “big long breakfast line.” Outtakes has started to enhance their offerings this semester with items such as artisan boxes, flavored yogurt, individual packaged items (trail mixes, kettle style potato chips, etc.), gluten free sandwiches and seasonal items. Chopped-n-Wrapped’s Wicked Spoon frozen yogurt was removed due to low sales. Starbucks is doing really well. As mentioned in the October 2013 meeting, the possibility of adding hot breakfast sandwiches and a third register is still in discussion.
The Chartwells legal department has finally given approval to start using some produce from the UNF Organic Garden in the Osprey Café. Fair market value will be paid for the produce. There will not be enough to supply the entire dining hall but the suggestion was made to have Danielle work with the chef to possibly have a sign at the station stating that the produce in the meal is from the UNF Garden.
7. Emerging/Other Issues
Alin Ceopoi commented on the availability of breakfast sandwiches in Outtakes not being available when he goes in around 10:00am. Dave commented that by 10:00am the store is transitioning to lunch at that time and there shouldn’t be a lot of selection but at 9:00am there should be plenty.
Rob Holey wanted to recognize the great customer service at the Osprey Café especially Linda, Steven and others at the action stations.
8. Next Meeting
Next meeting will be scheduled in Fall 2014 in September/October.